Burnished calculus results from instrumentation that is

• A. Smoothed and compressed onto tooth
• B. Easily removed with light instrumentation
• C. Increases roughness
• D. Dissolves upon irrigation

Answer: (A)

Burnished calculus happens when the instrument’s stroke presses the deposit against the tooth and smooths its outer layer, effectively compressing and polishing the calculus onto the surface. That smoothed, adherent film is why the description “smoothed and compressed onto tooth” is the best match. Because the deposit is compacted and polished rather than fractured away, it becomes more tenacious and harder to remove with light instrumentation. It doesn’t make the surface rougher; it actually smooths it, and it certainly doesn’t dissolve with irrigation—the calculus remains until mechanically removed. To avoid burnishing, use strokes that fracture and lift deposits rather than smear them, maintaining proper angulation and stable adaptation to remove calculus effectively.